NASCAR is expected to release the 2026 schedule in late August or early September, and leaks are already circulating online. While the major races like the Daytona 500 and Circuit of the Americas remain the same, some changes could be coming to different tracks. This includes a change of location to the All-Star race. Some tracks could also see racing for the first time in decades, and others might be falling off the point track completely.
The race that took drivers to the heart of Chicago could be on its way out. Rumors have it that the Chicago Street Race will be canceled, after mixed reviews and rough racing over the past years. A street race in San Diego is expected to be considered instead. The newest street race in Mexico City will likely also be scrapped because of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. It’s not all bad news, because Chicagoland could be back on the schedule.
Chicagoland Speedway hasn’t been on the NASCAR schedule since 2019. The lack of a race in the Windy City and a new open spot due to a cancellation in Mexico would put the track at the perfect spot for points ahead of the playoffs. The track is also a perfect fit for the Next Gen cars, especially since the old track surface hasn’t been paved over. A return to Chicagoland would also reassure fans that NASCAR plans to stay in the state for the foreseeable future.
Some reshuffling of original NASCAR venues could bring a highlight to the rich history of the sport. Richmond Raceway and Darlington Raceway are reportedly moving earlier in the schedule to allow earlier points in the regular season. This could mean a higher turnout as fans are still waiting to see which drivers have the potential to make the playoffs. Both raceways have a rich history in the sport. A higher place in the regular season could mean they’ll have a more permanent spot in the schedule, something that older race fans will enjoy.
It’s not all good news. Iowa Speedway is facing uncertainty in the future of NASCAR. Despite having sold out races, it doesn’t seem to have a solid footing in the projected schedule. Iowa only got the Cup Series date in 2024, but high attendance has made it seem like an easy win for NASCAR. It’s also another example of the growing popularity of the sport in the Midwest, which is obviously important with the possible addition of Chicagoland.
The biggest controversy coming out of the schedule leaks is a possible change in the All-Star Race. North Wilkesboro Speedway will likely not host the race next year. This move from NASCAR is to reward the raceway by giving it a points-paying race instead of the exhibition format. While this is good news for fans in Wilkesboro and other original tracks, it could spell a problem for fans in Dover. Dover Motor Speedway would now be the host of the race. Dover could be kept out of point racing altogether, which would mean the highly anticipated monster mile race would come to an end.
One driver voicing his frustration with the possible move is Denny Hamlin. He points to the fact that the All-Star Race should be made up of short runs to make it more exciting. Dover’s track needs rubber laid down before cars can pass, usually around 40 laps in. Dover also sees a major fan turnout, which could be hurt if the race isn’t for points since they already lost one points race to Nashville Superspeedway. He instead suggests getting rid of the race altogether, and just adding another points race in Darlington.
The time leading up to scheduled releases is like waiting for the dentist; you know you have to have the appointment, but you’re dreading what you’ll find out. NASCAR seems to be acting like the dentist as they look to make some serious changes to what races fans could look forward to.
The best part of the schedule rumors so far is how important older tracks could be in future seasons. It would be great if more original tracks got to have their day in the sun again, but to cut out tracks like Dover completely would be a mistake. Cutting out more midwestern tracks would be even worse after the sport fought to get those fans back in recent years.
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